Judge criticises Apple and Google for improper use of court

A Miami judge has accused Apple and Google for improper use of the court in the tech giants’ ongoing patent disagreements.

Apple and Google’s Motorola Mobility unit are currently engaged in patent disputes in a several of US States – and in other nations outside of the country.

The case in Florida has expanded since it was originally brought to the court in 2010. It now contains 180 claims relating to 12 separate patents with the meaning of more than 100 terms in active dispute, Bloomberg has reported.

However, in a court filing on Wednesday, US District Judge Robert Scola criticised both companies for their apparent refusal to reach a resolution, labelling their conduct as, “obstreperous and cantankerous”.

“The parties have no interest in efficiently and expeditiously resolving this dispute,” said Scola.

“They instead are using this and similar litigation worldwide as a business strategy that appears to have no end. That is not a proper use of this court.

“Without a hint of irony, the parties now ask the court to mop up a mess they made by holding a hearing to reduce the size and complexity of the case. The court declines this invitation.”

Judge Scola has given both parties four months to simplify the case or it will be placed on hold while the definitions of patent terms are resolved.

Apple’s patent disputes have already brought the iPhone maker under the criticism of our courts of law. In the UK, Apple was order to place a statement on its website last autumn. But the court of appeal was not satisfied with Apple’s original statement, which it deemed “non-compliant”.